Obama & McCain

[cptacek]

Let's say Obama wins, and the Democrats pick up just a few more seats in Congress. Our government would be filibuster proof and all on the same side of any issue. Does that scare anyone else but me?

[LivingAlmostLarge]

They need 60 to filibuster. The Democrats are at 49, 2 independents, 49 Republicans. 1 independent is Joe Lieberman, who supports McCain and was booted from the Dem party.

I would say picking up 10 Senate seats for a filibuster is a bit of a stretch don't you think?

I think likely they'll get to 55 seats Dem, 2 independents, 43 Republicans.

5 seats in one election is a lot.

[feh]

Current projections have the Dems picking up 7-8 Senate seats. Throw in the two Independents that caucus w/ the Dems, and they are very close to 60.

It's still somewhat unlikely, but definitely a possibility. If the general election turns into a landslide (Obama keeps his current lead), his coattails might just make it happen.

[kork13]

An interesting point that I've heard argued every so often: Independents own the senate. How?

In times like today, where the Senate is fairly balanced (with no significant number difference between DNC/GOP), in order for a bill to pass the supporting party has to convince the couple independents in the senate to support it. Senate votes frequently fall along party lines (admittedly, less so than in the House), so while the bill sponsors may be able to count on a couple opposing party votes, the independents are generally a stronger bet for investing efforts. Plus, if the independents support a bill, perhaps that will convice opponents to change their mind. But, without the support of the independents, you're screwed, because they can't push you over the line to get the number of votes you need.

I'm not putting this out as gospel, just simply a curious thought that everyone might find interesting.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Independents own the presidential election. The bases of the Democratic and Republican parties aren't deciding the election.

McCain and Obama to win have to win over the independents and those who can't decide. That's why independents rule pretty much.

And I'd be surprised if the Dems pick up 7-8 seats. I think they are picking up NH, CO, NM as likely. NC, Alaska, OR, VA are all debatable. Plus you have to wonder how Ted Stevens of Alaska isn't losing?

But I think they'll pick up 5 seats. And they might lose their seat in Lousiana to boot the Democrats.

[belic3000]

Not happy with either choice. But, we are placing to much power in the presidency aren't we? It is Congress that holds the power. That of the purse strings.
The candidates can only get their programs implimeneted if they have a Congress that goes along with it. And that scars me more than the promises that are being made. They are not able to keep them, but with a Congress that will support them, they will sure try.

[jeffmem]

Neither one of the main candidates have my interests in mind. They are all talk, just like every other politician. I am annoyed that Nadar and Paul do not have more support. But... the vast majority of Americans are sleeping so the two party system will always be here....